Below you will find helpful and relevant articles that we carefully curate for the benefit of our B.R.A. Retail Members almost every day. Be sure to scroll through the most recent article or use the Search/Lookup feature to find topics and keywords related to articles that may help you to lower costs, increase margins or create more remarkable customer experiences.

“Why industry data is important for specialty retailers plus insightful interview with George Leichtweis (BRA Chairman and Owner of Modern Skate & Surf)” via Trackfly blog

by admin | Nov 29, 2024 | Brick & Mortar, Distinguished Retail Members, Legends, Resources, Retail History, Retail Strategy, Retail Technologies

Push play to listen to this insightful interview of George The begining of Modern Skate and Surf MARK‍‍George, could you tell me a little bit about the history of Modern Skate and Surf, you’ve been around since 1979 is that right? GEORGEThat’s correct. I...

“Honoring Small Business Triumphs: Inspiring Stories of Retail Owners’ Success” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog

by admin | Apr 28, 2024 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Experience, Interviews, News, Resources, Retail History, Retail Strategy, Small Business

I have some amazing people I want you to meet and hear their advice for small business owners, but first, while researching this important celebration, I have to take a step back in time to where it all began. When did Small Business Week Start? President John F....

“Surf Shop Founders and Their Kids Discuss Passing the Torch” by Kari Hamanaka via Shop Eat Surf

by admin | Jun 13, 2023 | Brick & Mortar, Community, Generations, Industry, News, Retail History, Surf

Top row (left to right): Tom and Tyler Brown, Josh Hansen, and Mark Richards with sons Brandon and Blake. Bottom row (left to right): Ashlyn and Aaron Pai, LG Shaw, and Ashley Stewart Leines with father Bill Stewart. By Kari Hamanaka | Published Jun 13, 2023 From...

“History of Surfing: Houses of the Holy – Matt Warshaw explains the history of our beloved cultural watering hole, and where he thinks the future of the surf shop is headed” by Davis Jones via Surfer Mag (originally published Oct. 2017)

by admin | Apr 29, 2023 | Brick & Mortar, Community, Industry, News, Retail History, Surf

Hobie Alter’s Dana Point compound. Dale Velzy’s Manhattan Beach showroom. Larry Gordon and Floyd Smith’s San Diego storefront. Jack O’Neill’s San Francisco shack. In the 1950s, California’s first surf shops had personalities as...

“REI swings to a loss despite record sales in 2022” by Daphne Howland via Retail Dive

by admin | Apr 21, 2023 | Brick & Mortar, Customer Loyalty, Industry, Outdoor, Retail History

Daphne Howland/Retail Dive Dive Brief: REI reached a record $3.9 billion in sales last year, the outdoor co-op retailer said in a financial disclosure Wednesday. The company, which aims to grow to 50 million members, added 1.3 million in 2022,...

“BC Owner on Business, Sales Trends and a Move Away from Covid Comparisons” by Kari Hamanaka via Shop Eat Surf

by admin | Apr 19, 2023 | Community, Corona Virus, Industry, Merchandising, News, Retail Economy, Retail History, Retail Strategy, Surf

A quarter of the way into the year and key industry account BC Surf & Sport’s business is chugging along. If the multi-store operator is any barometer of how the overall industry is trending, 2023 could perhaps mean a normalization –  and a new chapter –...